Glimmer of hope for ceasefire talks

JERUSALEM: Israel’s war cabinet has approved sending negotiators to Qatar to continue talks aimed at securing a ceasefire in the war against Hamas and the return of hostages being held in Gaza.

The talks began in Paris, where the head of Israel’s overseas intelligence service Mossad and his counterpart at the domestic Shin Bet security service met with mediators from the US, Egypt and Qatar.

National security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said in a televised interview on Saturday night that the “delegation has returned from Paris -- there is probably room to move towards an agreement”.

After negotiators gave a briefing on the Paris summit, the cabinet agreed to send a delegation to Qatar in the coming days to continue negotiations on a weeks-long truce involving the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.

Pressure has steadily mounted on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strike a deal to free the hostages, with thousands gathering in Tel Aviv on Saturday at what is now as “Hostages Square” to demand swifter action.

Mr Hanegbi said Israel wanted the release of all hostages seized in the October 7 attacks, starting with the women, but added: “Such an agreement does not mean the end of the war.” He also indicated that Israel would not accept any deal between the US and Saudi Arabia for a Palestinian state.

Mr Netanyahu said cabinet would discuss the “next steps in the negotiations”.

He also reaffirmed his aim for troops to go into Rafah, despite widespread concern for the hundreds of thousands of civilians who have fled there.